Budding music moguls have been urged to look north of the border for legal representation.

Lesley Larg, partner at Thorntons, addressed dozens of management staff as part of the Go North music festival in Dundee.

She tried to convince the group to use legal professionals in Scotland rather than employing London-based lawyers.

Larg stressed the personalised nature of the advice available in Scotland which can be beneficial to the record label and artist.

She said: "A significant amount of music business is done in Scotland and there is an abundance of creative talent north of the border. Scotland also has a burgeoning live music scene which is the envy of many and has a number of long-standing venues, labels and publishers.

"Many Scottish artists use London legal firms and don't know the name of their lawyer.

"They may not be aware of the content of the contracts that they have signed.

"Thorntons has the proven, necessary experience and expertise to deliver sound advice on all music industry contract and related legal issues, and we feel it is in the best interest of all parties that Scottish-related music business is handled in Scotland."

The firm has also marked the expansion of its land and rural business team at a reception in the Fergusson Gallery in Perth.

Mike Blair, head of land and rural business team, said: "At Thorntons, we see rural Scotland as having rapidly growing influence in coming years. Issues such as food security and public use of land to give an increased focus on what lies ahead.

"By investing in the development of our rural business team, we aim to be an unrivalled source of advice across the rural business spectrum."